lmp@eb5ts3.EBay.Sun.COM (John Connelly - JET Graphics Products) (06/07/91)
Here is a summary of replies I got to my question about MIDI->CV devices:
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The best device of this kind that I've found is the Roland MPU-101. It
converts up to 4 polyphonic lines with CV for pitch and velocity and
gates for duration. It can also be set to mono mode and has a few other
nice features (although the manual is among the worst I have ever ex-
perienced).
There are a few significantly cheaper boxes that do monophonic conver-
sion. I believe Korg and J. L. Cooper each make one, but I haven't had
any experience with them.
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PAIA makes kits (or you can get built units for extra $$) that allow you to
build a system of up to 8 channels of MIDI <--> CV conversion. There is a
microprocessor with a simple monitor program included for customizing the
software. Prices start at about $150 and run up from there depending on how
many channels you plan on having.
Call 405-843-9626 for their catalog.
There is an advertisement in the June 1991 Home & Studio Recording mag for
PAiA. It reads:
MCVI - Processor Card $119.95
Upgrade classic equipment. Converts MIDI to CV/Trigger and back.
[..."and back"??? cool....]
MUX - Expander card $74.95
Expand the MCVI in groups of 8 CV/trigger ins/outs up to 128.
In the ad their phone # is (405) 340-6300...
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There is such a box, although rather more sophisticated than what you mentionned you were after, made in France by the same guy who designed the KOBOL RSF
synthesizers (modular analog systems that have been somewhat popular in
this country's experimental studios).
The box has two independent channels to convert two midi sources, and to
assign different midi parameters (notes, velocity, after-touch, pedals and
wheels ) into different control voltages or gates/triggers.
It is rather inexpensive, around 3 or 4,000FF (ca $500 to 700), and I can
look up the exact reference if you're interested or want to post info about
it. It is sold by an experimental music group in south of France, called
GMEA (Groupe de musique experimentale d'Albi), near Toulouse.
As far as I know, it is the best machine for people who use modular synths,
especially with an experimental approach (i.e. not just notes and pop
sounds, but more research into sound, complex patches, etc.).
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John Connelly
john.connelly@EBay.Sun.COM
"That machine has got to be destroyed!"